Decadent Chocolate/Peanut Butter/Granola/Coconut Bars Recipe
Overview:
These Decadent Chocolate/Peanut Butter/Granola/Coconut Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. They are quick to prepare, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven, resulting in a total cooking time of 40 minutes. The recipe yields approximately 24 bars, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or for storing in Christmas tins as a homemade gift.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Margarine | 12 tablespoons |
| Graham crackers (crumbled) | 1 package (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs) |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Granola cereal | 3/4 cup |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 12 ounces |
| Sweetened flaked coconut | 1 1/2 cups |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 13×9 inch baking pan and put it in the oven until the butter melts completely.
-
Layer the Base:
- Once the butter has melted, add the crumbled graham cracker crumbs to the pan with the butter. Spread them evenly and press the mixture down firmly to form a solid base.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
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Add Layers:
- Sprinkle the granola cereal over the peanut butter mixture, followed by the raisins and semisweet chocolate chips.
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Top with Coconut:
- Cover the entire surface with the sweetened flaked coconut. Press it down gently but firmly into the mixture to ensure everything sticks together during baking.
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Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size using a sharp knife.
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Storage:
- Store the bars in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They can be kept for several days, although they are so delicious they may not last that long!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 258.1
- Fat: 15.6g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Cholesterol: 15.8mg
- Sodium: 112mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 23.4g
- Protein: 4.4g
Tips and Variations:
- Variation: Feel free to customize these bars by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits along with or instead of the raisins.
- Storage: If you prefer softer bars, store them at room temperature instead of the refrigerator.
- Presentation: For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before cutting them into squares.
These Decadent Chocolate/Peanut Butter/Granola/Coconut Bars are a guaranteed hit wherever you take them, whether for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat at home. They strike the perfect balance between crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful bars with your loved ones! 🍫🥥
